Commercial Kitchen Certification

Commercial Kitchen Certification Project

During the COVID pandemic, the senior center was informed that its kitchen did not meet Cochise County standards for commercial kitchen certification. All community food service was discontinued. The BSA would like to upgrade its existing kitchen so it can once again be certified as a commercial kitchen that provides a variety of healthy meals and snacks to its members and their guests. The process would entail:

Removing one of the existing kitchen sinks and purchasing and replacing the current kitchen cabinetry with a stainless steel work area with shelves above and drawer space below to improve cleanliness and promote safe storage of kitchen tools
Purchasing and installing a new stainless steel commercial refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher, and ice maker
Repairing the drains at the two other existing sinks with an appropriate air gap
Removing the old residential dishwasher and replacing it with a high temperature commercial dishwasher that would provide the BSA with a means of safely sanitizing silverware, utensils, dishes, glasses, and cookware
Emptying the pantry and replacing the existing wooden shelving with new stainless steel shelving and drawers and air tight storage containers that would prevent infestation by both insects and rodents
Thoroughly cleaning the existing stove and ovens
Purchasing and installing a commercial freezer, a heavy-duty, stainless-steel blender, a large capacity air fryer, and a popcorn popper to introduce healthier food and snacks for members and their guests
Training and certifying at least three people as qualified food managers

Completing these tasks and acquiring commercial kitchen certification would enable the BSA to reintroduce its extremely popular monthly breakfasts, it’s Soup, Salad, and Sandwich luncheons, and it’s community holiday dinners for both members and their guests. Food based activities account for over half the BSAs’ annual fundraising and could add more than $10,000.00 in annual operating revenue.

A certified kitchen enables the BSA to address hunger and food insecurity issues for our senior patrons who are often low-income and experience both disportionate access to healthy foods and social isolation. Having a certified, commercial kitchen also allows us to partner with organizations such as SEAGO, NIFA, USDA, Safeway, Walmart Food Pantry and others to promote easy access to fresh fruits and vegetables and more nutritious food choices for our patrons.

Anticipated Cost: $12,500.00

The City of Bisbee will provide installation of shelving, cabinetry, and new appliances. SEAGO has already donated $3,000.00 towards the purchase of a new, commercial refrigerator.

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